Graduation season is upon us, and this presents a few challenges for the gift-giver who wants to make a lasting impression. This newly earned adulthood was no small feat, and the last few years have dealt many a difficult hand to those in college, but this young man has succeeded — and that is worth celebrating. While he will definitely experience many more accomplishments throughout his life, up to date this is most assuredly one of the greatest. Whether he’s already landed his dream job and is on his way to an extremely successful and lucrative career or he’s taking some time to explore and travel the world before settling down, your gift should help him tackle the adult world. From elevated essentials to time-honored classics, these smart graduation gifts are perfect for the modern, sophisticated and newly graduated young man.
Timeless Classics
- A handsome watch is not only timeless but will always get him there on time. Explore a variety of classic luxury watches to begin your search. Maybe you can already envision him rolling up his sleeves after a long day at the office to show off a timepiece that sets him apart from the crowd. By purchasing a men’s Rolex watch, a true standard of luxury, he will definitely unwrap a gift he won’t soon forget. Maybe you want to invest in his success and guarantee a look of refinement, and opt to buy a Patek Phillippe watch, the family-owned pinnacle of excellence in the watchmaking industry. Whatever you choose, by giving him the gift of time — and eternal style — you’re giving him a giant head start on his next great adventure.
- For a stylish and updated twist on the traditional briefcase, consider a leather commuter bag. Regardless of whether he’s off to a bustling city or small town — or maybe his path is taking him overseas — he’ll be ready to rush out the door with everything he needs effortlessly slung across his shoulder. Trends come and go, but a classic staple is always a necessity.
For the Contemporary (and More Capable) Don Draper
Another thing to consider in your gift-buying journey is his next abode. Whether he’s lived on his own for some time or he’s moving into his first post-college apartment, he’ll need to think about entertaining and … gasp … decorating. While you can’t stop him from making some inevitable design mistakes despite all the first apartment decorating tips available, you can make sure he has some attractive home essentials. And while he may or may not be entering the world of advertising, it doesn’t mean he can’t have the Don Draper digs of his dreams.
- Stock his kitchen with more than frozen pizza. By buying him a new set of cookware, you’ll be contributing to the lifelong journey and essential skill of cooking for himself. Think cast iron, pots and pans, cooking and serving utensils and some platters. He might not know he needs them, but he’ll definitely be thankful when he gets tired of reheating last night’s takeout.
- Help him keep his bar, or bar cart, looking top-notch with a classic crystal barware collection. Some impressive sets include everything he will need to measure, stir and pour a perfect cocktail over a block or sphere of ice. Perhaps you can even add in a set of personalized old fashioned glasses or decanter for his budding wine cellar.
- We all understand the importance of a good night’s sleep and how it contributes to health and well-being. No, he can’t make you any promises about his bedtime, but you can give him the luxury of rest with the proper sleeping solutions. Whether it’s high-thread-count sheets, silk pillowcases or a luxuriously soft and warm duvet, you can never go wrong with these classic options, and you can be sure you’re contributing to his best rest. You can quickly become an expert in bed linens by browsing sleep shopping guides before picking out the perfect addition to his new adult life. Life after college can be exhausting, and proper bedding is a cozy and enduring gift option.
- Still feeling stuck? Why not buy him a new gift each month with one of the many subscription services available? No, this isn’t a fruit of the month club. Today’s subscription services offer upscale and eclectic options that will introduce him to a variety of exciting essentials. Think wine, coffee beans, vegan snacks, plants and cocktail clubs. There’s so much to introduce him to. Depending on which you opt in for, buy him a few handy accessories to accompany the main present.
If you decide on a monthly coffee plan, purchase and wrap a glass pour-over coffee maker, a bean grinder and the necessary filters. By subscribing him to one of these plans, you will introduce him to a world of options that will increase his knowledge and allow him to discover new preferences. Just make sure you have his shipping address correct.
As any thoughtful buyer knows, your gift should stand out, so consider the receiver and truly be one of a kind. You want to purchase a graduation present that celebrates his accomplishment and which will make him feel confident and ready to take on all of life’s new challenges. The gift you give not only celebrates how far he’s come, but also how far he will go. Show him that you see him and all of his hard work.
By searching for the best gift ideas for him, you are already steps ahead. Choosing one of these thoughtful and classic gifts will make sure he has the tools and accessories to show what he’s made of: style, intelligence and class. Now, go on — wrap the gift and pat that grad on the back.